RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova Mayor Siri Pulipati delivered an optimistic message of progress and innovation Wednesday evening during the 2025 State of the City address, emphasizing growth, technology, and community spirit under the theme “Big Picture, Bright Future: Connecting the Pieces of Our Community.”

The yearly civic gathering took place for the first time at the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova rather than City Hall, bringing together residents, business representatives, city officials and community groups to learn about the city’s progress and upcoming initiatives.

The event was put together by the Cordova Community Council in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova and in collaboration with the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a really important day for Rancho Cordova,” Pulipati said before her address. “We get to talk about all the wonderful things we’ve been seeing the entire year, and also what we’re going to have for the future.”

Rancho Cordova Mayor Siri Pulipati delivered an optimistic message of progress and innovation Wednesday evening during the 2025 State of the City address. Photo by Rick Sloan

In her remarks, Pulipati described Rancho Cordova as a “city on the move,” citing milestones in public safety, infrastructure investment, and community engagement.

“If there is one word to describe Rancho Cordova right now, it is momentum,” Pulipati said. “New businesses opening their doors, new families moving in and new ideas taking place. We are a city on the move and tonight we celebrate not only where we are but also how far we have come together.”

Pulipati reported that property crime has fallen 30% and burglaries and robberies have declined 12% over the past year. The city’s general fund revenue rose 35% over five years, with a $6.5 million surplus projected at the close of the fiscal year.

She also announced $27.8 million in infrastructure investments, $500,000 more than the previous year, with projects that include Chase Drive improvements, the American River Parkway connection, and traffic-calming efforts in several neighborhoods. Pulipati announces that the City Council has recently approved an additional $20 million for sidewalk and street repairs totaling over.

The mayor highlighted Rancho Cordova’s growing population of more than 85,000 residents, a 57% growth since incorporation, and nearly 800 new businesses opened in the last year.

One of the highlights of the evening was the emphasis on two major initiatives: the city’s new artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and the Downtown Dova project.

Metro Fire personnel stand alongside Mayor Siri Pulipati at the Rancho Cordova State of the City on Nov. 5. Photo by Rick Sloan

“Rancho Cordova is now home to the region’s only AI ecosystem,” Pulipati said. “It means more jobs, a technology pipeline for our kids and a stronger, smarter economy.”

The proposed Downtown Dova development includes a 7,500-seat arena, restaurants, retail space and a venue for concerts and professional soccer matches.

“Best of all, it’s privately funded,” Pulipati said.

The evening featured performances by the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band, a presentation of colors by the Cordova High JROTC, and an invocation by the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir of Sacramento. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and refreshments courtesy of the Marriott.

Marriott General Manager Robie Garcia welcomed attendees, noting the hotel’s recent $33 million renovation.

“We are honored to host the State of the City,” Garcia said. “As the only full-service hotel in the city, we understand we have an important role in providing a place for residents and organizations to gather.”

Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council (left) smiles alongside David Sander, Ph.D., president of the board of directors of the Cordova Community Council (right). Photo by Rick Sloan

Another major highlight was the unveiling of the new Rancho Cordova jigsaw puzzle, created by artist Eric Dowdle, which captures scenes from the city’s vibrant community life. Several puzzle pieces were symbolically placed by key city figures, including members of the City Council, City Manager Micah Runner and Rancho Cordovan of the Year Kevin Sims, music director at Cordova High School.

Runner described the city as being on the edge of “something really fantastic.”

“We are upleveling the opportunities and really trying to think about the future of growth,” Runner said.

Vice Mayor Garett Gatewood highlighted Rancho Cordova’s expanding reputation in the technology sector.

“We’re on the global scale now,” Gatewood said. “Rancho Cordova is the up-and-coming city, a bootstrap city. We pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps and succeed where others think we’re going to fail.”

Event organizers emphasized the collaboration between civic, business and community groups that make the annual gathering possible.

“We are here to support,” said Diann Rogers, president and CEO of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce. “Suite 117, which hosts the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Chamber, is a great example of the power of collaboration we have in Rancho Cordova.”

Diann Rogers, president and CEO of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce and Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council emphasized the collaboration between organizations in putting the State of the City together. Photo by Rick Sloan

Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council, called the State of the City “the day we showcase our city.”

Blanchard added, “It’s time for our mayor to shine, for all the really great stories to come out of what was accomplished in 2025 and to get amped up for what’s coming in 2026.”

Blanchard also announced that the council will focus on the nation’s 250th birthday next year.

“We’re going to really double down on the 250th birthday of the United States,” Blanchard said. “We’ll be celebrating with a lot of red, white and blue in 2026.”

When asked what she wishes people would take away from the event, Pulipati reflected on the city’s progress and its sense of unity.

“Rancho Cordova is a city with heart, a community that truly cares and a place that is creating ripples of positivity,” Pulipati said. “Together with my council members, I am excited to keep building on that momentum.”

The 2025 State of the City address was a huge success bringing together residents, business representatives, city officials and community groups to learn about the city’s progress and upcoming initiatives. Photo by Rick Sloan